Combination washer-dryer drive mechanism



April 14, 1959 J. D. WARHUS 2, 81,633 COMBINATION WASHER-DRYER DRIVE,

Filed July 19, 1956 MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WASH CONTROLLER FIG. 8

INVENTOR. fa/717 0. War/fizz; BY Am we. mm 5 m April 14, 1959 J. D.WARHUS 2,881,633

COMBINATION WASHER-DRYER DRIVE MECHANISM Filed July 19, 1956 sSheets-Sheet 3 79 WASH 0m 86 comm qum F 6 CONTROLLER +70 TUB reams/*0?INVENTORI Jam 17. Warm/5 [21mm am M United COMBINATION WASHER-DRYERDRIVE MECHANISM John D. Warhus, Lombard, 11]., assignor to GeneralElectric Company, a corporation of New York Application July 19, 1956,Serial No. 598,809 13 Claims. (Cl. 74-472) The present invention relatesto a combination washerdryer machine of the home laundry type, whereinclothes are washed and then dried in the same basket or container,without handling therebetween by the housewife.

It is a general object of the invention to provide in a machine of thecharacter noted, an improved drive arrangement, wherein the differentspeeds of rotation of the clothes-receiving basket that are required inthe different washing and drying operations are obtained in a simple andeflicient manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washingmachine of the type including a perforated clothes-receiving basketmounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, an improveddrive arrangement including an electric drive motor of the split-phaseinduction type having two normal running speeds respectivelycorresponding to two pole arrangements of the winding thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washingmachine of the type noted, an improved drive arrangement including twodifferent clothes-tumb ing speeds and at least one water-extractingspeed, whereby the clothes-receiving basket may be accelerated from thelower clothes-tumbling speed to the higher clothes-tumbling speed andthen to the water-extracting speed at spaced time intervals, so as toobtain proper distribution of the clothes in the basket following aclothes-washing operation and preceding a water-extracting operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washingmachine of the type noted, an improved four-speed drive arrangement forthe clothes-receiving basket.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a clothes dryingmachine of the type including a perforated clothes-receiving basketmounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, an improveddrive arrangement including an electric drive motor of the split-phaseinduction type having two normal running speeds respectivelycorresponding to two pole arrangements of the winding thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a clothes dryingmachine of the type noted, an improved drive arrangement including twodifferent clothes-tumbling speeds, whereby the clothes-receiving basketmay be 6 accelerated from the lower clothes-tumbling speed to the higherclothes-tumbling speed near the conclusion of the drying action so as toobtain increased fanning and cooling of the clothes following thefundamental drying operation.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a clothesdrying machine of the type noted, an improved two-speed drivearrangement for the clothes-receiving basket.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangementof the elements of the washer-dryer machine and of the drive arrangementtherefor, whereby Patented Apr. 314, 1959 the above-outlined andadditional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages ttereof, will best beunderstood by reference to the following specification taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a rear elevational view of a washer-dryer machine, with therear wall of the housing removed, embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View, partly broken away, of the machine,with the front wall of the housing removed;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the machine, taken inthe direction of the arrows along the offset line 33 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of the drivearrangement incorporated in the machine;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of another portion of thedrive arrangement incorporated in the machine;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of the control circuitincorporated in the machine;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary portion of the time-sequence diagram of thewashing cycle of the machine; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary portion of the time-sequence diagram of thedrying cycle of the machine.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings, the clothesWasher-dryer machine 10 there illustrated and embodying the features ofthe present invention comprises a substantially box-like housing 11enclosing a substantially cylindrical casing or tub 12 in which there isarranged a substantially cylindrical clothes-receiving basket orcontainer 13 that is mounted for rotation about a substantiallyhorizontal axis. More particularly, the basket 13 comprises asubstantially tubular perforated side wall 14 carrying a number ofangularly spaced-apart clothes-tumbling vanes 15, a forwardly dishedrear wall 16, and a foraminous front wall 17 having a front opening 18formed therein. The front opening 18 formed in the front wall 17 of thebasket 13 cooperates with an aligned front opening 19 formed in thefront wall of the tube 12; which front openings are closed by a frontdoor 20 carried by the front wall of the casing 12 and movable betweenopen and closed positions with respect to the front openings mentioned.

The basket 13 is supported for rotation within the tub 12 upon the frontend of a basket shaft 21 projecting through an opening provided in therear wall of the tub f2 and mounted for rotation about a substantiallyhorizontal axis by bearing structure, not shown. The lower centralportion of the tub 12 communicates with structure 22 defining a sumptherebelow; and the upper portion of the tub 12 communicating withstructure 23 defining a hood thereabove; which structures 22 and 23 areinterconnected by an upstanding tube 24 and a blower 25. As best shownin Figs. 1 and 3, the lower end of the tube 24 communicates with thelower structure 22 and the upper end of the tube 24 communicates withthe intake port of the casing of the blower 25, while the discharge portof the casing of the blower 25 communicates with the upper structure 23;thereby to define a passageway for the circulation of air through thetub 12 via the elements 22, 24, 25 and 23 and consequently through thebasket 13, as explained more fully hereinafter. The blower 25 furthercomprises a rotor 25a housed in the casing thereof and driven by anelectric drive motor 26, as best illustrated in Fig. 1. Further, anelectric heating unit 27 is arranged in the hood 23; a water supplynozzle 28 is carried by the casing of the blower 25 and arranged toproject a stream of water through an opening therein into the hood 23and into contact with the heating unit 27 arranged therein and thus intothe tub 12; and a spray nozzle 29 is carried by the tube 24 and arrangedto pro ject a stream of water through an opening provided in the tube 24and thus into contact with the interior surface of the tube 24 andthence into the sump 22.

An electric drive motor 30 is suitably mounted upon the lower portion ofthe tub 12 adjacent to the sump structure 22, and on the right-hand sidethereof as viewed in Fig. 2; and on the front end of the drive motor 3%there is mounted a drain pump 31, the drain pump 31 being provided withan intake port governed by a drain valve 32 and a discharge port 33communicating with drain plumbing, not shown. The drain valve 32communicates directly with the intake port of the drain pump 31 andfurther communicates via a tube 33 with the lower portion of the sumpstructure 22. The drain valve 32 is of the solenoid-operated typeincluding an operating solenoid 32a, the drain valve 32 being normallybiased into its closed position and operated into its open positionincident to energization of the solenoid 32a.

As best illustrated in Fig. 1, the machine further comprises a hot watersupply conduit 34, a cold water supply conduit 35, valve mechanism 36 ofthe solenoid operated type including a hot solenoid H, a cold solenoid Cand a spray solenoid S, and conduits extending to the spray nozzles 28and 29 and respectively indicated at 37 and 38 and communicating withthe valve mechanism 36. In the arrangement the valve mechanism 36 isbiased into its closed position; when the hot solenoid H is energized,the hot water supply conduit 34 is connected to the conduit 37 extendingto the supply nozzle 28; when the cold solenoid C is energized, the coldwater supply conduit 35 is connected to the conduit 37 extending to thesupply nozzle 28; and when the spray solenoid S is energized, the coldwater supply conduit 35 is connected to the conduit 38 extending to thespray nozzle 29.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5, the drive motor 30 is providedwith an operating shaft 39 projecting from the rear end thereof andcarrying both a drive clutch 40 and a fixed pulley 41, the fixed pulley41 being rigidly secured to the extreme rear end thereof. The powerclutch 40 is of the electromagnetic type, including two relativelyrotatable elements 42 and 43, as well as an operating solenoid 40a, notshown, but indicated in Fig. 6. The element 42 is rigidly secured to theoperating shaft 39; and the element 43 carries a surrounding pulley 44;whereby the pulley 44 is clutched to the operating shaft 39 only whenthe operating solenoid 411a of the power clutch 40 is energized.Further, the operating shaft 39 carries insulating structure 45providing two slip rings 46 and 47 through which the operating solenoid40a may be energized.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4, the rear end of the basket shaft21 carries both a fixed pulley 43 rigidly secured thereto and anoverrunning clutch 49. The overrunning clutch 49 is of the mechanicaltype including two relatively rotatable elements 50 and 51. The element50 is rigidly secured to the basket shaft 21; and the element 51 carriesa surrounding pulley 52; whereby the pulley 52 is clutched to the basketshaft 21 only when the element 51 is urged to rotate in thecounterclockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1) faster than the element50. Restating the matter: when the element 56 is rotated faster in thecounterclockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1), than the element 51,the drive connection therebetween, is disengaged in order to permit thebasket shaft 21 to rotate faster than the pulley 52.

Further, as shown in Fig. 1, an idler shaft 53 is arranged below the tub12 and mounted thereon for rotation; which idler shaft 53 carriestwo-fixed pulleys 54 I and 55 rigidly secured thereto. In thearrangementzthe pulleys 41 and'55 are of the V-type and are beltedtogether by an associated V-belt 56; the pulleys 54 and 52 are of the\I-type and are belted together by an associated V-belt 57; and thepulleys 44 and 48 are of the V-type and are belted together *by anassociated V-belt 58. Accordingly, a first drive connection is providedbetween the operating shaft 39 of the motor 30 and the basket shaft 21,which connection includes the power clutch 44), the pulley 44, the belt58 and the pulley 48; and a second drive connection is provided betweenthe operating shaft 39 of the motor 30 and the basket shaft 21, whichconnection includes the pulley 41, the belt 56, the pulley 55, the idlershaft 53, the pulley 54, the belt 57, the pulley 52 and the overrunningclutch 49.

Considering now the mode of operation of the drive arrangement: when themotor 30 is operated, the drive shaft 39 thereof is rotated in thecounterclockwise direc tion, as viewed in Fig. 1, thereby effectingcorresponding rotation of the idler shaft 53 and the pulley 52.. At thistime, when the power clutch 40 is disengaged, the rotating pulley 52urges the element 51 into driving engagement with the element 50 in theoverrunning clutch 49, whereby the basket shaft 21 is rotated at arelatively low speed since there is a speed reduction both between thepulleys 41 and 55 and between the pulleys 54 and 52; and the rotatingpulley 48 eifects rotation of the pulley 44 in the power clutch 40 withrespect to the operating shaft 39; whereby there is no interferencebetween the two drives. On the other hand, when the power clutch 40 isengaged, the pulley 44 is rotated through the power clutch 40 effectingrotation of the pulley 48 and the consequent rotation of the basketshaft 21 at a relatively high speed, since there is only one speedreduction between the pulleys 44 and 48; whereby the element 50 overrunsthe element 51 in the overrunning clutch 49; whereby there is nointerference between the two drives.

As previously explained, the elements 30, 53, 24, 25, 26 and 36 aremounted upon the tub 12; and in turn the tub 12 is mounted upon the base11a of the housing 11 by a resilient shock-absorbing mountingarrangement including four upwardly inclined struts 59, as indicated inFig. 2, two of the struts 59 being arranged on each side of the verticalcenter line of the tub 12, thereby to accommodate some vibration andmovement of the tub 12 with respect to the housing 11 in the operationof the machine 10 and to absorb the vibratory energy involved therein.Further, a fill switch 60 is mounted upon the tub 12, as indicated inFig. 2, the fill switch 60 including a casing 61 that is connected by atube 62 to the lower portion of the tube 24 that, in turn, communicateswith the trap structure 22.

Referring now to Fig. 6: the fill switch 60 is of the float typeincluding a float device 63 arranged in the casing 61 and controlling acontact bridging member 64 provided with front and rear pairs ofcontacts; and the drive motor 30 is of the split-phase, 4-pole-6-pole,induction type including a rotor 65 carried by the operating shaft 39and provided with a squirrel-cage winding 66, as well as a stator, notshown, carrying a 4-pole start winding 67, a 4-pole nm winding 68 and a6-pole run winding 69. Also the operating shaft 39 carries speedresponsive mechanism 70 that governs an operating stem 71 carrying threecontact bridging members 72, 73 and 74. The contact bridging members 72and 73 govern respectively associated front contact pairs; while thecontact bridging member 74 governs a set of three back contacts and apair of front contacts.

Further, the machine 10 comprises a wash controller 75 and a drycontroller 76. The wash controller 75 comprises a rotatably mountedoperating shaft 77 carrying ten insulating control cams C1 to C10,inclusive, respectively governing ten sets of switch springs S1 to S10,inclusive, the outer end of the operating shaft 77 carrying a manualcontrol dial 78 cooperating with an associated index marker 79. Also thewash controller 75 comprises a timer motor M1 of the synchronous typeprovided with as'sntsss an operating shaft 80 connected to escapementmechanism 81; the escapement mechanism 81 including a driven shaft 82.The inner end of the operating shaft 77 and the outer end of the drivenshaft 82 are interconnected by a friction clutch 83 that accommodatesrotation of the operating shaft 77 independently of the driven shaft 82.In the arrangement, when the timer motor M1 is energized, the escapementmechanism 81 is controlled so that the driven shaft 82 is rotated stepby step in the clockwise direction effecting corresponding rotation ofthe operating shaft 77 through the friction clutch 83, as explained morefully hereinafter. The dry controller 76 comprises a rotatably mountedoperating shaft 84 carrying seven insulating control cams C11 to C17,inclusive, respectively governing seven sets of switch springs S11 toS17, inclusive, the outer end of the operating shaft 84 carrying amanual control dial 85 cooperating with an associated index marker 86.Also the dry controller "/6 comprises a timer motor M2 of thesynchronous type provided with an operating shaft 87 connected toescapement mechanism 38 including a driven shaft 89. The inner end ofthe Operating shaft 84 and the outer end of the driven shaft 89 areinterconnected by a friction clutch 90 that accommodates rotation of theoperating shaft 84 independently of the driven shaft 89. In thearrangement, when the timer motor M2 is energized, the escapementmechanism 88 is controlled so that the driven shaft 89 is rotated Stepby ste in the clockwise direction effecting corresponding rotation ofthe operating shaft 84 through the friction clutch 90, as explained morefully hereinafter.

Further, the machine 10 comprises a temperature selector 91 including arotatably mounted wiper 92 having cold and warm and hot positions andcooperating with two contact segments 93 and 94. Also the controlcircuit comprises a transfer relay 95 including an operating stemcarrying two contact bridging members 96 and 97 that govern tworespectively associated front contact pairs. Finally, the controlcircuit comprises a three-wire Edison source of 236-volts, single-phase,A.-C., provided with a grounded neutral conductor 98 and two outsideungrounded conductors 99 and 100.

In the circuit arrangement, the set of switch springs S1 comprises twoindividual switch springs respectively connected to two conductors 101and 102; the set of switch springs S2 comprises two individual switchsprings respectively connected to two conductors 103 and 104; the set ofswitch springs S3 comprises two individual switch springs respectivelyconnected to the conductor 101 and to a conductor 105; the set of switchsprings S4 comprises two individual switch springs respectivelyconnected to the conductors 105 and 103; the set of switch springs Scomprises two individual switch springs respectively connected to theline conductor 99 and to a conductor 106; the set of switch springs S6comprises two individual switch springs respectively connected to theline conductor 99 and to a conductor 107; the set of switch springs 57comprises two individual switch springs respectively connected to theline conductor 99 and to a conductor 108; the set of switch springs S8comprises three individual switch springs respectively connected to theline conductor 99 and to two conductors 109 and 110; the set of switchsprings S9 comprises three individual switch springs respectivelyconnected to the line conductor 99 and to two conductors 111 and 112;and the set of switch springs S comprises two individual switch springsrespectively connected to the neutral conductor 98 and to a conductor113. The set of switch springs S11 comprises two individual switchsprings respectively connected to a conductor 114 and to the conductor107; the set of switch springs S12 comprises two individual switchsprings respectively connected to the conductor 114 and to a conductor115; the set of switch springs S13 comprises two individual switchsprings respectively connected to a conductor 116 and to the conductor113; the set of switch springs S14 comprises three individual switchsprings respectively connected to the conductors 110, 114 and 109; theset of switch springs S15 comprises two individual switch springsrespectively connected to the conductor 11d and to a conductor 117; theset of switch springs S16 comprises two individual switch springsrespectively connected to two conductors 118 and 119; and the set ofswitch springs S17 comprises two individual switch springs respectivelyconnected to the conductors 114 and 106.

In the valve mechanism 36: the hot solenoid H is bridged across theconductor 101 and the neutral conductor 98; the cold solenoid C isbridged across the neutral conductor 98 and the conductor 103; and thespray solenoid S is bridged across the neutral conductor 98 and theconductor 115. In the temperature selector 91: the wiper 92 is connectedto the conductor 105; and the contact segments 93 and 94 arerespectively connected to the conductors 102 and 104. When the wiper 92occupies its hot position, it engages only the contact segment 93; whenthe wiper 92 occupies its warm position, it engages both of the contactsegments 93 and 94; and when the wiper 92 occupies its cold position, itengages only the contact segment 94. The blower motor 26 is bridgedacross the neutral conductor 98 and the conductor 107; the drainsolenoid 32a is bridged across the neutral conductor 98 and theconductor 106; the clutch solenoid 40a is bridged across the neutralconductor 98 and the conductor 108; the timer motor M1 is bridged acrossthe conductor 111 and the neutral conductor 98; and the timer motor M2is bridged across the conductor 117 and the neutral conductor 98. Thewinding of the transfer relay is bridged across the line conductor 99and the conductor 116; the front contacts associated with the contactbridging member 96 respectively terminate the line conductor and theconductor 120; and the front contacts associated with the contactbridging member 97 respectively terminate the ,line conductor 99 and theconductor 114. in the fill switch 60: the front contacts associated withthe contact bridging member 64 respectively terminate the conductor 112and the line conductor 99; and the back contacts associated with thecontact bridging member 64 respectively terminate the conductor and theline conductor 99. In the drive motor 30: the 4-pole start winding 67 isbridged across the neutral conductor 98 and a conductor 121; the 4-polerun winding 68 is bridged across the neutral conductor 98 and theconductor and the 6-pole run winding 69 is bridged across the neutralconductor 98 and a conductor 122. The contacts associated with thebridging member 72 respectively terminate the conductor and a conductor123; while the contacts associated with the bridging member 73respectively terminate the line conductor 99 and a conductor 124. Theheater 27 is arranged in two sections, one of the sections being bridgedacross the conductors 123 and 11S, and the other of the sections beingbridged across the conductors 124 and 119. The three back contactsassociated with the bridging member 74 are respectively connected to theconductors 110, 109 and 121, while the two front contacts associatedwith the bridging member 74 are respectively connected to the conductors122 and 109.

When the wash controller 75 occupies its off position, the sets ofswitch springs S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 and SS occupy their openpositions, while the contacts 2 of the set of switch springs S9 occupytheir closed position, and the set of switch springs S10 occupies itsclosed position. When the dry controller 76 occupies its off position,the sets of switch springs S11, S12, S13, S14, S15 and S17 occupy theiropen positions, and the set of switch springs S16 occupies its closedposition.

When the drive motor 30 is operated as a 4-pole motor, it has a normalfull load running speed of about 1725 r.p.m.; and when the drive motor30 is operated as a 6-pole motor, it has a normal full load runningspeed of about 1140 rpm. When the drive motor 30 is operated as a 6-polemotor, the basket 13 is respectively rotated at 42 r.p.m. and at 330r.p.m., when the power clutch 40 occupies its respective declutched andclutched positions. When the drive motor 30 is operated as a 4-polemotor, the basket 13 is respectively rotated at 63.5 r.p.m. and at 500r.p.m., when the power clutch 40 occupies its respective declutched andclutched positions. Accordingly, it will be understood that the basket13 may be selectively rotated at the speeds: 42 r.p.m., 63.5 r.p.m., 330r.p.m. and 500 r.p.m. by selective operation of the drive motor 30 as a6-pole motor and as a 4-pole motor and by efitecting selectivedeclutching and clutching of the power clutch 40. In the preferredconstruction of the basket 13, the radius thereof is about one foot;whereby the speeds mentioned above respectively correspond to linear orcircumferential speeds of the basket 13 as follows: 265 ft./min., 400ft./min., 2080 ft./min. and 3140 ft./min. Of course the speeds of 42r.p.rn. and 63.5 r.p.m. of the basket 13 constitute clothes-tumblingspeeds thereof; whereas the speeds of 330 r.p.m. and 500 r.p.m. of thebasket 13 constitute water-extracting speeds thereof.

Considering the general operation of the machine 10, it is pointed outthat it may be operated entirely as a clothes-washing machine, when onlythe wash controller 75 is set out of its ofi position, or it may beoperated entirely as a clothes drying machine, when only the drycontroller 76 is set out of its off position. The machine 10 operatesfirst as a clothes washing machine and then as a clothes drying machine,when both of the controllers 75 and 76 are set out of their offpositions. In the operation of the machine 10: the clothes to be washedor dried or washed and dried are placed in the basket 13 and the door ismoved into its closed position. In the event the clothes are to bewashed, a suitable quantity of detergent is also placed in the tub 12,in any suitable manner, and thereafter one or both of the controllers 75and 76 and the temperature selector 91 are selectively set in accordancewith the desired control.

Now assuming that a load of clothes arranged in the basket 13 are to bewashed in warm water and then dried: the temperature selector 91 isoperated into its warm position; the wash controller 75 is operated intoits fill and wash position in accordance with the desired time intervalof the washing operation; and the dry controller 76 is operated into itstime position in accordance with the desired time interval of the dryingoperation. When the Wash controller 75 is operated out of its offposition, the control cam C16 operates the set of switch springs S10into its open position to open a point in the chain circuit foroperating the transfer relay 95, so as to prevent operation of thetransfer relay 95 while the wash controller 75 occupies other than itsoff position, as illustrated in the chart of Fig. 7. When the drycontroller 76 is operated out of its off position, the control cam C13operates the set of switch springs S13 into its closed position toprepare a point in the previously mentioned chain circuit for operatingthe transfer relay 95, so as to effect operation thereof when the washcontroller 75 is returned back into its off position, as explainedbelow.

Also when the wash controller 75 is operated into its fill and washposition, the control cams C1, C2, C6 and C8 operate the respective setsof switch springs S1, S2, S6 and S8, as indicated by the chart of Fig.7. Also when the dry controller 76 is operated into its time position,the control cams C11, C12, C13, C14, C15 and C17 operate the respectivesets of switch springs S11, S12, S13, S14, S15 and S17, as indicated bythe chart of Fig. 8. More particularly, the sets of switch springs S1and S2 are closed, thereby to complete parallel circuits for operatingthe hot solenoid H and the cold solenoid C, with the wiper 32 of thetemperature selector 91in its warm position. The circuits for operatingthe solenoids Hand C also include the back contacts of the fill switch60, whereby the valve mechanism 36 is governed to bring about the supplyof a mixture of hot water and cold water from the pipes 34 and 35 viathe conduit 37 into the tub 12; The set of switch springs S6 is closedto complete a circuit for operating-the blower motor 26 so as to bringabout operation ofthe blower 25 at this time. More particularly, theWarm water from the conduit 37 is delivered to the nozzle 28 and isdirected onto the rotor 25 of the blower 25 so that a portion of thewater falls through the tube 24 and another portion thereof is flunginto the hood 23 by the rotor 25a and then falls into the tub 12, all ofthe water being delivered to the tub 12. When a full quantity of wateris delivered into the tub 12, the fill switch 60 is operated so that thecontact bridging member 64 opens its back contacts and closes its frontcontacts; Opening of the back contacts associated with the bridgingmember 64 interrupts the parallel circuits for operating the solenoids Hand C; whereby the valve mechanism 36 is returned back into its closedposition to cut off the supply of warm water to the tub 12. Closure ofthe front contacts associated with the contact bridging member 64completes a circuit for initiating operation of the timer motor M1, asexplained more fully hereinafter. Closure of the contacts 1 of the setof switch springs S8 completes parallel circuits for energizing the4-pole start winding 67 and the 4-pole run winding 68 of the drive motor30. These circuits include the line conductor 99, the contacts 1 of theset of switch springs S8, the conductor 109, and the middle back contactassociated with the contact bridging member 74. At this time, thebridging member 74 connects the middle back contact thereof to theright-hand back contact thereof and to the left-hand back contactthereof and thus to the conductors 121 and 110, whereby the windings 67and 68 are energized to the neutral conductor 98. Accordingly, the rotor65 is accelerated from its rest position, and when a speed somewhat inexcess of A; of its normal 4-pole running speed is reached, thespeed-responsive mechanism 70 operates the contact bridging member 74 toopen its back contacts and to close its front contacts. Opening of theback contacts of the Contact bridging member 74 interrupts the circuitsfor energizing the windings 67 and 68 of the operating motor 30; whileclosure of the front contacts of the bridging member 74 completes acircuit for energizing the 6-pole run winding 69, the last-mentionedcircuit including the conductor 109, the bridging member 74 en gagingits front contacts, and the conductor 122. Accordingly, the rotor 65 isaccelerated on into its normal 6-pole running speed of 1140 r.p.m. Atthis time, the basket 13 is rotated at 42 r.p.m., since the power clutch40 occupies its declutched position, the clutched solenoid 49a beingdeenergized at this time.

As previously noted, when the fill switch 60 responds to a complete fillof wash water in the tub 12, the contact bridging member 64 is operatedto open its back contacts and to close its front contacts, therebyinterrupting the circuits for energizing the solenoids H and C andcompleting the circuit for operating the timer motor M1. Moreparticularly, the contact bridging member 64 at its front contactsconnects the line conductor 99 to the conductor 112, the conductor 112being connected via the contacts 2 of the set of switch springs S9 tothe conductor 111, whereby the timer motor M1 is energized to theneutral line 98. Operation of the timer motor M1 effects operation ofthe escapement mechanism 81, whereby the operating shaft 77 is drivenstep by step further in the clockwise direction through the driven shaft82 and the friction clutch 83 so that the operating shaft 77 is drivenout of its fill and wash position into its drain #1 position after atime interval corresponding to the set wash-time of the manual dial 78,as shown in the chart of Fig. 7. In the drain #1 position of the washcontroller the control cam C1, C2, C5, C6 and C9 operate therespectively associated sets of switch springs S1, S2, S5, S6 and S9.Specifically, the sets of switch springs S1 and S2 are opened in orderpositively to insure deenergization of the solenoids H and C at thistime. The set of switch springs S5 is closed to complete a circuit forenergizing the drain solenoid 32a so that the drain mechanism 32 isopened connecting the sump 22 to the drain pump 31 in order that thecharge of wash water in the tub 12 is pumped therefrom by the operatingdrain pump 31 to the exterior. The set of switch springs S6 is opened toarrest operation of the blower motor 26 and the consequent operation ofthe blower 25. The set of switch springs S9 is operated to open thecontact 2 thereof and to close the contacts 1 thereof, thereby tointerrupt the original circuit for operating the timer motor M1 and tocomplete an alternative circuit for operating the timer motor M1. Theoriginal circuit for operating the timer motor M1 included the frontcontacts associated with the contact bridging member 64 of the fillswitch 60, as previously noted; whereas the alternative circuit foroperating the timer motor M1 is a direct circuit to the line conductorQ9. This arrangement insures operation of the timer motor M1 at thistime independently of the position of the fill switch 66.

Operation of the timer motor M1 continues, whereby the wash controller75 is driven into its spin #1 position so that the control cam C8operates the set of switch springs S8, opening the contacts 1 thereofand closing the contacts 2 thereof, as indicated in the chart of Fig. 7.Opening of the contacts 1 of the set of switch springs S8 opens thepreviously traced circuit for energizing the 6-pole run winding 69 ofthe drive motor 30; while closing of the contacts 2 of the set of switchsprings S8 completes a circuit for energizing the 4-pole run winding 68of the drive motor 36. The last-mentioned circuit extends from the lineconductor 99 via the closed contacts 2 of the set of switch springs S8,the conductor 110, and the winding 68 to the neutral condoctor 98.Accordingly, the rotor 65 of the drive motor 30 is accelerated on intoits 4-pole running speed of 1725 r.p.m., so that the basket 13 isrotated at a speed of 63.5 r.p.m. with the power clutch 40 in itsdeclutched position. This increase in the speed of rotation of thebasket 13 from the tumbling speed of 42 rpm. to the tumbling speed of63.5 r.p.m. causes the wet clothes to be distributed about the peripheryof the basket 13 and arrests the free tumbling action of all of theclothes in the basket 13. More particularly, when the basket 13 isrotating at the tumbling speed of 42 rpm. all of the contained clothestumble therein; whereas when the basket 13 is rotating at the tumblingspeed of 63.5

r.p.m. only the clothes disposed toward the center thereof and Within aradius of about 9 are free to continue their tumbling action, and themore remotely disposed clothes are retained in contact with theperiphery of the basket 13 due to the centrifugal forces involved.

Operation of the timer motor M1 is continued; whereby the washcontroller 75 is then driven into its spin #2 position, as indicated bythe chart in Fig. 7; whereby the control cams C7 and C8 operate the setsof switch springs S7 and S8. More particularly, the set of switchsprings S8 is operated to open the contacts 2 thereof and to close thecontacts 1 thereof; whereby operation of the drive motor 30 as a 4-polemotor is arrested and operation thereof as a 6-pole motor is resumed sothat the rotor 65 is decelerated from 1725 rpm. to 1140 rpm. Closure ofthe sets of switch springs S7 completes a circuit for energizing theclutch solenoid 40a; whereby the power clutch 40 is operated into itsclutched position so that the basket 13 is accelerated into its lowwaterextracting speed of 330 r.p.m., in order to bring about thecentrifugal extraction of a substantial amount of the water contained inthe clothes.

Operation of the timer motor M1 continues; whereby the wash controller75 is next driven into its spin #3 position, as indicated in the chartof Fig. 7, so that the control cam C8 operates the set of switch springsS8 opening the 1 contacts thereof and closing the 2 com tacts thereof inorder that the6-pole run winding 69 is deenergized and the 4-pole runwinding 68 is energized. Accordingly, the rotor 65 is accelerated intoits speed of 1725 r.p.m.; whereby the basket 13 is accelerated into itswater-extracting speed oi 50G r.p.m., with the power clutch 4b in itsclutched position. This acceleration of the basket 13 into its highwater-extracting speed of 500 r.p.m. insures the centrifugal extractionof additional water from the clothes.

Operation of the timer motor M1 continues; whereby the wash controller75 is driven into its rinse #1 position, as indicated by the chart ofFig. 7, so that the control cams C3, C4, C6 and C8 operate therespective sets of switch springs S3, S4, S6 and S8. More particularly,the sets of switch springs S3 and 84 are closed so as to complete directparallel circuits for energizing the solenoids H and C, independently ofthe temperature selector 91, the circuits however including the backcontacts or" the contact bridging member 6- of the fill switch 60.Accordingly, warm water is supplied to the tub 12 from the pipes 34 and35 with the valve mechanism 36 in its open position. The set of switchsprings S6 is closed to effect operation of the blower motor 26 and theconsequent operation of the blower 25. The set of switch springs S8 isoperated to open the contacts 2 thereof and to close the contacts 1thereof; whereby the d-pole operation of the drive motor 30 is arrestedand 6-pole operation thereof is resumed. More particularly, the rotor 65is decelerated from 1725 rpm. to 1140 rpm. so that the basket 13 isdecelerated from 506 r.p.rn. to 330 r.p.m., with the power clutch it) inits clutched position. Accordingly, at this time warm water is suppliedto the tub 12 while the basket 13 is rotated at 330 rpm. and while thedrain mechanism 32 occupies its open position, since the drain solenoid32a is also energized. More particularly, the warm water that issupplied into the hood 23 falls into the tub 12 and onto the rotatingbasket 13 so that the clothes contained therein are subjected to acentrifugal spinning rinse, the water falling through the perforatedbasket 13 into the sump 22 and being pumped to the exterior by the drainpump 31 with the drain mechanism 32 in its open position.

Operation of the timer motor M1 continues, whereby the wash controller75 is driven into its rinse #2 position, as illustrated in the chart ofFig 7, so that the control cams C5, C7 and C9 operate the sets of switchsprings S5, S7 and S9. More particularly, the set of switch springs S5is opened to interrupt the circuit for energizing the drain solenoid 32ain order that the drain mechanism 32 is operated back into its closedposition, so that the water subsequently delivered into the tub 12 isretained therein. The set of switch springs S7 is opened, so that theclutch solenoid 40a is deenergized in order that the power clutch 40 isreturned back into its declutched position. At this time the drive motor39 is operating as a 6-pole motor, the rotor 65 being rotated at 1140rpm. in order that the basket 13 is rotated at 42 rpm, with the powerclutch 40 in its declutched position. The set of switch springs 39 isoperated to open the 1 contacts thereof and to close the 2 contactsthereof. Opening of the 1 contacts of the set of switch springs S9interrupts the previously traced direct circuit for operating the timermotor M1; whereas closure of the contacts 2 of the set of switch springsS9 prepares the previously traced circuit for operating the timer motorM1 via the conductor 112. Thus operation of the timer motor M1 isarrested at this time; however the supply of Warm water to the tub 12 iscontinued; and when a full charge of warm rinse water is supplied to thetub 12 the fill switch 6% is operated, as previously explained. Moreparticularly, the contact bridging member 64 opens the back contactsthereof interrupting the parallel circuits for energizing the solenoidsH and C in order that the valve mechanism 36 is returned back into itsclosed position to cut off the supply of warm water to the tub 12. Alsothe contact bridging member 64 closes its front contacts connecting theconductor 112 to the line conductor 99 so as to complete the previouslytraced alternative circuit for operating the timer motor M1 in orderthat further operation of the wash controller 75 is resumed; whereby thewash controller 75 is subsequently driven into its drain #2 position, asindicated in the chart of Fig. 7.

At this time, the control cams C3, C4, C5, C6 and C9 operate therespective sets of switch springs S3, S4, S5, S6 and S9. Moreparticularly, the sets of switch springs S3 and S4 are opened in orderto interrupt further points in the previously traced circuits forenergizing the solenoids H and C. The set of switch springs S5 is closedin order to energize the drain solenoid 32a so that the drain mechanism32 is operated into its open position in order that the charge of rinsewater contained in the tub 12 is pumped therefrom by the drain pump 31to the exterior. The set of switch springs S6 is opened to arrestoperation of the blower motor 26 and the subsequent operation of theblower 25. The set of switch springs S9 is operated to open the contacts2 thereof and to close the contacts 1 thereof. Opening of the contacts 2of the set of switch springs S9 interrupts a further point in thepreviously traced alternative circuit for operating the timer motor M1;whereas closure of the contacts 1 of the set of switch springs S9completes the previously traced direct circuit for operating the timermotor M1.

Further operation of the timer motor M1 is resumed; whereby the cycle ofthe wash controller 75 continues through a number of actions thereof,not shown; whereby the wash controller 75 is ultimately operated backinto its off position. In the omitted actions of the wash controller 75,the clothes in the basket 13 are subjected to at least one additionalrinsing action involving steps substantially identical to rinse #1 andrinse #2, previously described. Thereafter the rinse water is drainedfrom the tub 12 in a step identical to drain #2 and the water retainedby the clothes is centrifugally extracted therefrom in a finalwater-extraction action including steps similar to spin #1, spin #2 andspin #3. In this arrangement, the final spinning step corresponding tospin #3 is preferably of a rather prolonged time interval, perhaps of atime duration of 4 or 5 minutes in order to bring about the centrifugalextraction of a great proportion of water carried by the clothes in thebasket 13.

When the wash controller 75 is ultimately returned into its 011 positionase previously explained, the sets of switch springs S1 to S8,inclusive, are operated into their open positions; the set of switchsprings S9 is operated to open the contacts 1 thereof and to close thecontacts 2 thereofand the set of switch springs S is operated into itsclosed position. Operation of the set of switch springs S9 to open itscontacts 1 and to close its contacts 2 insures that further operation ofthe timer motor M1 is arrested when the manual dial 78 occupies its offposition. Operation of the set of switch springs S10 into its closedposition connects the neutral conductor 98 to the transfer conductor113; whereby operation of the dry controller 76 is initiated at thistime, it having been previously assumed that the dry controller 76 hasbeen operated out of its off position.

More particularly, a circuit is completed for energizing the winding ofthe transfer relay 95 that includes the transfer conductor 113, theclosed set of switch springs S13, the conductor 116 and the lineconductor 99, whereby the transfer relay 95 is operated so that thecontact bridging members 96 and 97 close the associated pairs of frontcontacts. At this time the sets of switch springs S11, S12, S13, S15,S16 and S17 occupy their closed position, while the set of switchsprings S14 is operated to close the contacts 1 thereof and to open thecontacts 2 thereof. The closed set of switch springs S11 completesanalternative circuit'for operating the blower motor 26, this circuitincluding the conductors 107 and 114, the contact. bridging member 97and the line conductor 99. Accordingly, the blower 25 is operated toeffect the circulation of air through the tub 12 and the rotatingbasket'13, as explained more fully hereinafter. The closed set of switchsprings S12 completes a circuit for energizing the spray solenoid S sothat the valve mechanism 36 is operated to bring about the supply ofcold water from the pipe 35 to the conduit 38 and thence via the spraynozzle 29 into the tube 24 for a purpose more fully explainedhereinafter. The closed set of switch springs S15 completes a circuitfor operating the timer motor M2, whereby the operating shaft 84 isdriven step by step in the clockwise direction as time proceeds throughthe escapement mechanism 83 and the friction clutch in order that thedry controller 76 is operated through the set time interval andultimately back into its off position, as explained more fullyhereinafter. The closed contacts 1 of the set of switch springs S14connects the conductor 114 to the conductor 109; whereby the drive motor30 is first started as a 4-pole motor and subsequently operated as a6-pole motor in the manner previously explained; whereby the rotor 65 isrotated at a speed of 1140 r.p.m. effecting rotation of the basket 13 at42 r.p.m. with the power clutch 40 in its declutched position. Theclosed set of switch springs S16 bridges together the conductors 118 and119 whereby the two sections of the heater 27 are energized in seriesrelation, the circuit including the conductors 123 and 124, the contactbridging members 72 and 73, the line conductor 99, the conductor 120,the contact bridging member 96 and the line conductor 100. Accordingly,the two sections of the heater 27 are connected in series relationacross the line conductors 99 and of the Edison source effecting fullheating thereof. The closed set of switch springs S17 completes acircuit for energizing the drain valve solenoid 32a, whereby the drainvalve 32 is operated into its open position to connect the sump 22 tothe drain pump 31, so that water and condensate and lint accumulating inthe sump 22 is pumped to the exterior.

At this time the basket 13 is rotated at 42 r.p.m., as previously notedso that the clothes tumble therein; and the blower 24 circulates airtherefrom into the hood 23 into contact with the heater 27 so that theair 15 heated and delivered into the tub 12 into contact with therotating basket 13 and therethrough into the sump 22 and thence into thetube 24'. Accordingly, moisture in the clothes tumbling in the basket 13is evaporated therefrom and moisture-laden air is delivered into thetube 24 where it is contacted by the cool water projected thereinto fromthe spray nozzle 29. The moisture-laden air is thus cooled effecting thecondensation of the moisture therein, whereby the condensate and thespra water and lint are washed down the tube 24 into the sump 22 andthus pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 31, with the drainmechanism 32 in its open position. The air is then withdrawn from theupper portion of the tube 24 and again delivered to the blower 25 sothat it may be recirculated over the heater 27 to effect reheatingthereof in a cycle. Hence, the moisture is removed from the clothestumbling in the basket 13 by the current of hot air circulatedtherethrough; and the moisture is condensed from the circulated currentof air in the tube 24 by the spray of cool water projected thereintofrom the spray nozzle 29; whereby a totally enclosed air circulatingsystem is provided so as to prevent the escape of moisture, heat andlint to the exterior of the machine 10. 1

The operation of the machine 10 continues, as explained above, wherebythe dry controller 76 is operated fromits time position into its finishposition just preceding its off position as indicated in the chart ofFig. 8. When the dry controller 76 is operated into its finish position,the control cams C14 and C16 operate the sets of switch springs S14 andS16. More particularly, the set of switch springs S16 is operated intoits open position to interrupt the connection between the conductors 118and 119 so as to effect deenergization of the heater 27. The set ofswitch springs S14 is operated to open the 1 contacts and to close the 2contacts thereof. Opening of the 1 contacts of the set of switch springsS14 interrupts the previously traced circuit for operating the drivemotor 30 as a 6-pole motor, while closure of the 2 contacts of the setof switch springs S14 completes an alternative circuit for operating thedrive motor 30 as a 4-pole motor. More particularly, the conductor 114is connected to the conductor 110 at the contacts 2 of the set of switchsprings S14 thereby energizing the 4-pole run winding 68 of the drivemotor 30. Accordingly, the rotor 65 is accelerated from its speed of1140 r.p.m. to its speed of 1725 r.p.m., whereby rotation of the basket13 is accelerated from 42 r.p.m. to 63.5 r.p.m. With the heater 27deenergized, the increased tumbling speed of rotation of the basket 13effects cooling of the clothes during the finishing step.

Operation of the timer motor M2 is continued, whereby the dry controller76 is operated into its off position, as indicated in the chart of Fig.8; whereby the control cams C11 and C17, inclusive, operate the set ofswitch springs S11 to S17, inclusive. The set of switch springs S11 isopened to interrupt the circuit for operating the blower motor 26 so asto arrest further operation of the blower and the set of switch springsS12 is opened to interrupt the circuit for energizing the solenoid S,whereby the valve mechanism 36 is returned back into its closed positionto interrupt the supply of cool water to the spray nozzle 29. The set ofswitch springs S13 is opened to interrupt the circuit for retainingoperated the transfer relay 95. Upon restoring the transfer relay 95actuates the contact bridging members 96 and 97 back into their openpositions. The set of switch springs S14 is operated to open thecontacts 2 thereof so as to interrupt the circuit for energizing the4-pole run winding 68 of the drive motor in order to arrest operation ofthe drive motor 30 at this time. The set of switch springs S15 is openedto arrest operation of the timer motor M2, while the manual dial 85occupies its off position cooperating with the index marker 86. The setof switch springs S16 is reclosed so as to reconnect the conductors 118and 119 in order to reprepare the circuit for energizing the heater 27.The set of switch springs S17 is opened to deenergize the drain valvesolenoid 32a, so that the drain valve mechanism 32 is returned into itsclosed position. At this point it is noted that when the transfer relay95 restores, the contact bridging member 96 interrupts a further pointin the circuit for energizing the heater 27 and the contact bridgingmember 97 disconnects the line conductor 99 from the conductor 114 so asto prevent further operation of the drive motor 30. Also it is notedthat when operation of the drive motor 30 is arrested, the speedresponsive device 70 brings about opening of the contact bridgingmembers 72 and 73 so as to interrupt further points in the circuit forenergizing the heater 27. Also when operation of the drive motor 30 isarrested, the speed responsive device 70 restores the contact bridgingmember 74 so as to open the front contacts associated therewith and toclose the rear contacts associated therewith.

At this time, the cycle of operation of the machine 10 has beencompleted and the clothes may be removed from the basket 13 afteropening of the door 20. In the cycle described, the clothes were firstwashed under the control of the wash controller 75 and were thendriedunder the control of the dry controller 76.

In the foregoing description of the operation of the machine 10 in thewashing cycle it was assumed that the clothes were to be washed in warmwater, whereby 14 the temperature selector 91 was preset into its warmposition. However, in the event the clothes are to be washed in hotwater or cold water the temperature selector 91 is correspondingly setinto its hot position or its cold position, whereby in the correspondingfill and wash position of the wash controller the tub 12 is filled witha corresponding charge of hot water or cold water.

Also in this connection, it is pointed out that a washing cycle may beeffected in the machine 10, without an accompanying drying cycle, bysetting the wash controller 75, while leaving the dry controller 76 inits off position; and similarly, a drying cycle may be effected in themachine 10, without an accompanying washing cycle, by setting the drycontroller 76, while leaving the Wash controller 75 in its off position.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided acombination washer-dryer machine that incorporates an improved drivearrangement so that the different speeds of rotation of theclothes-receiving basket provided therein may be readily obtained asrequired in the different washing and drying operations thereof.Specifically in the improved drive arrangement, two different tumblingspeeds and two different water-extracting speeds are obtained in asimple and ready manner by the selective control of the two-speedmechanical clutch arrangement and by the selective control of thetwospeed electric drive motor of the 4-pole-6-pole, split-phaseinduction type.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be thepreferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to coverin the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A variable speed transmission for the substantially horizontallydisposed and rotatably mounted basket shaft of a clothes processingmachine, comprising a drive motor provided with an operating shaft, afirst drive connection including a power clutch from said operatingshaft to said basket shaft, an idler shaft, a second direct driveconnection from said operating shaft to said idler shaft, a third driveconnection including an overrunning clutch from said idler shaft to saidbasket shaft, means for operating said motor, and means for engaging andfor disengaging said power clutch, engagement of said power clutcheffecting relatively high speed rotation of said basket shaft from saidoperating shaft via said first drive connection and with saidoverrunning clutch accommodating overrunning between said basket shaftand said third drive connection, disengagement of said power clutcheffecting relatively low speed rotation of said basket shaft from saidoperating shaft via said second drive connection and said idler shaftand said third drive connection in tandem relation and with said powerclutch accommodating overrunning between said first drive connection andsaid operating shaft.

2. The variable speed transmission set forth in claim 1, wherein each ofsaid drive connections constitutes a speed-reducing drive connection,and wherein the speed reduction from said operating shaft to said basketshat via said first drive connection is substantially less than thespeed reduction from said operating shaft to said basket shaft via saidsecond drive connection and said idler shaft and said third driveconnection in tandem relation.

3. A variable speed transmission for the substantially horizontallydisposed and rotatably mounted basket shaft of a clothes processingmachine, comprising a drive motor provided with an operating shaft, afirst drive connection from said operating shaft to said basket shaftand including a first pulley carried by said operating shaft and a powerclutch arranged between said operating shaft and said first pulley and asecond pulley affixed to said basket shaft, an idler shaft, a seconddirect drive connection from said operating shaft to said idler shaftand including third and fourth pulleys respectively aifixed to saidoperating shaft and to said idler shaft, a third drive connection fromsaid idler shaft to said basket shaft and including a fifth pulleyafiiXed to said idler shaft and a sixth pulley carried by said basketshaft and an overrunning clutch arranged between said basket shaft andsaid sixth pulley, means for operating said motor, and means forengaging and for disengaging said power clutch, engagement of said powerclutch effecting relatively high speed rotation of said basket shaftfrom said operating shaft via said first drive connection and with saidoverrunning clutch accommodating overrunning of said basket shaft withrespect to said sixth pulley, disengagement of said power clutcheffecting relatively low speed rotation of said basket shaft from saidoperating shaft via said second drive connection and said idler shaftand said third drive connection in tandem relation and with said powerclutch accommodating overrunning of said operating shaft with respect tosaid first pulley.

4. A variable speed transmission for the substantially horizontallydisposed and rotatably mounted basket shaft of a clothes processingmachine, comprising an electric drive motor provided with an operatingshaft, said motor being of the two-speed split-phase induction typeincluding a start winding and two corresponding run windings, said motorbeing operated at its relatively high speed (when a first of its runwindings is energized and being operated at its relatively low speedwhen a second of its run windings is energized, switching apparatushaving first and second positions respectively selecting said first runwinding and said second run winding to be energized, means for operatingsaid switching apparatus between its first and second positions, adevice responsive to the speed of said motor and having correspondingstart and run positions, means governed by said device for energizingboth said start winding and a predetermined one of said run windings inthe start position thereof and for energizing only the selected one ofsaid run windings in the run position thereof, a first drive connectionincluding a power clutch from said operating shaft to said basket shaft,an idler shaft, a second direct drive connection from said operatingshaft to said idler shaft, a third drive connection including anoverrunning clutch from said idler shaft to said basket shaft, and meansfor engaging and for disengaging said power clutch, engagement of saidpower clutch efiecting relatively high speed rotation of said basketshaft from said operating shaft via said first drive connection and withsaid overrunning clutch accomodating overrunning between said basketshaft and said third drive connection, disengagement of said powerclutch effecting relatively low speed rotation of said basket shaft fromsaid operating shaft via said second drive connection and said idlershaft and said third drive connection in tandem relation and with saidpower clutch accommodating overrunning between said first driveconnection and said operating shaft; whereby said basket shaft isrotated at respective first and second relatively high speeds when saidfirst and second run windings of said motor are respectively energizedwith said power clutch engaged and wherein said first high speed isgreater than said second high speed, and whereby said basket shaft isrotated at respective first and second relatively low speeds when saidfirst and second run windings of said motor are respectively energizedwith said power clutch disengaged and wherein said first low speed isgreater than said second low speed.

5. A variable speed transmission for the substantially horizontallydisposed and rotatably mounted basket shaft of a clothes processingmachine, comprising an electric motor of the two-speed split-phaseinduction type includ ing a start winding and two corresponding runwindings, said motor being operatedat its relatively high speed when afirst of its run windings is energized and being operated at itsrelatively low speed when a second of its run windings is energized,switching apparatus having first and second positions respectivelyselecting said first run winding and said second run winding to beenergized, means for operating said switching apparatus between itsfirst and second positions, a device responsive to the speed of saidmotor and having corresponding start and run positions, means governedby said device for energizing both said start winding and apredetermined one of said run windings in the start position thereof andfor energizing only the selected one of said run windings in the runposition thereof, speed-reduction mechanism for operatively connectingsaid motor to said basket shaft so that operation of said motor at itshigh speed effects a relatively high tumbling speed of rotation of saidbasket shaft and operation of said motor at its low speed effects arelatively low tumbling speed of rotation of said basket shaft, andaddtional means for rotating said basket shaft from said motor at awater-extracting speed that is substantially higher than either of saidtumbling speeds.

6. The variable speed transmission set forth in claim 5, wherein saidfirst run winding has N poles and said second run winding has M poles,where N and M are even numbers and M N.

7. The variable speed transmission set forth in claim 6, where N=4 andM=6.

8. The variable speed transmission set forth in claim 5, wherein saidrelatively high tumbling speed of rotation of said basket shaft is about60 r.p.m. and said relatively low tumbling speed of rotation of saidbasket shaft is about 40 r.p.m.

9. A variable speed transmission for the substantially horizontallydisposed and rotatably mounted basket shaft of a clothes processingmachine, comprising an electric motor of the two-speed split-phaseinduction type including a start winding and two corresponding runwindings, said motor being operated at its relatively high speed when afirst of its run windings is energized and being operated at itsrelatively low speed when a second of its run windings is energized,switching apparatus having first and second positions respectivelyselecting said first run winding and said second run winding to beenergized, means for operating said switching apparatus between itsfirst and second positions, a device responsive to the speed of saidmotor and having corresponding start and run positions, means goverenedby said device for energizing both said start winding and apredetermined one of said run windings in the start position thereof andfor energizing only the selected one of said run windings in the runposition thereof, speed-reduction mechanism for operatively connectingsaid motor to said basket shaft so that operation of said motor at itsrelatively high speed effects a relatively high water-extracting speedof rotation of said basket shaft and operation of said motor at itsrelatively low speed effects a relatively low water-extracting speed ofrotation of said basket shaft, and additional means for rotating saidbasket shaft from said motor at a tumbling speed that is substantiallylower than either of said waterextracting speeds.

10. The variable speed transmission set forth in claim 9, wherein saidfirst run winding has N poles and said second run winding has M poles,where N and M are even numbers and M N.

11. The variable speed transmission set forth in claim 10, where N=4 andM=6.

12. The variable speed transmission set forth in claim 9, wherein saidrelatively high water-extracting speed of rotation of said basket shaftis about 500 r.p.m. and said relatively low water-extracting speed ofrotation of said basket shaft is about 300 r.p.m.

' 13. A variable speed transmission for the substantially horizontallydisposed and rotatably mounted basket shaft of a clothes processingmachine, comprising an electric motor of the two-speed split-phaseinduction type including a start winding and two corresponding run wind-17 ings, said motor being operated at its relatively high speed when afirst of its run windings is energized and being operated at itsrelatively low speed when a second of its run windings is energized,switching apparatus having first and second positions respectivelyselecting said first run winding and said second run winding to beenergized, means for operating said switching apparatus between itsfirst and second positions, a device responsive to the speed of saidmotor and having corresponding start and run positions, means governedby said device for energizing both said start winding and apredetermined one of said run windings in the start position thereof andfor energizing only the selected one of said run windings in the runposition thereof, speed-reduction mechanism operatively connecting saidmotor to said basket, said mechanism being of the two-speed typeincluding two corresponding speed settings, said mechanism effecting arelatively great speed reduction in its low speed setting and etfectinga relatively small speed reduction in its 18 high speed setting, andmeans for operating said mechanism between its low and high speedsettings, whereby when said mechanism is in its low speed settingoperation of said motor at its respective low and high speeds effectsrespective low and high tumbling speeds of rotation of said basketshaft, and whereby when said mechanism is in its high speed settingoperation of said motor at its respective low and high speeds eifectsrespective low and high water-extracting speeds of rotation of said 10basket shaft.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 152,225,407 Bassett Dec. 17, 1940 2,337,586 Bowen Dec. 28, 1943 2,447,848Edwards Aug. 24, 1948 2,585,300 Condon Feb. 12, 1952 2,760,639Haverstock Aug. 28, 1956

